Warm temperatures can be hard on aging adults with arthritis. In addition to making training more strenuous, the weather can also result in joint pain and inflammation. However, seniors with arthritis can take a few steps to remain active and healthy during the summer months.
1. Skip Outdoor Activities
Seniors should try to spend as much time as possible near an air conditioner. Instead of going on walks or bike rides outside, seniors might want to invest in a gym membership for a few months. Many senior centers have gyms that offer discounted memberships during the warmest months of the year. Seniors who want to spend time outside should go out before the sun rises or after it sets.
While staying indoors, seniors may need assistance with meal preparation, bathing, or other daily activities. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated home care company. Anchorage Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
2. Replace Oral Painkillers with Topical Painkillers
As the weather begins to warm up, the body tries to keep itself cool by sweating. Excessive sweating can result in mild dehydration, which could eventually strain the liver. In addition to drinking more water, seniors can also replace their oral painkillers with topical painkillers to give the liver and kidneys a chance to rest. Some of the most popular topical analgesics are designed to reduce inflammation.
3. Stretch for a Few Extra Minutes
Stretching is one of the most effective ways to reduce joint pain. Once the weather is no longer moderate, seniors might want to add a few stretching sessions to their daily schedules. Carrying out a short yoga routine after waking up and just before going to bed can strengthen the ligaments that protect joints.
4. Focus on a Healthy Diet
Gaining weight is bad for the heart, and it puts an exorbitant amount of pressure on the hips, knees, and ankles. When seniors have a difficult time exercising, they should consider making a few dietary changes. Cutting back on meals by 100 or 200 calories a day could help seniors maintain their weight.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your senior loved one needs assistance with exercise or making healthier lifestyle choices. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Anchorage respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
5. Don’t Ignore Lingering Aches and Pains
If seniors experience lingering aches and pains, they should visit their doctors. Older adults should be wary of their health during the hottest months of the year. Any unusual joint pain that doesn’t go away after a few days should be looked at by a doctor.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Anchorage live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. If your senior loved one needs high-quality in-home care, call Home Care Assistance at (907) 770-0907 today.